Long ago, the Aleut Indians called Alaska "Alakshak" - The Great Land. "It's doubtful that anyone who has ever seen the state's colossal glaciers or its teeming wildlife would disagree with that description," says Seattle-based John Smith, one of the world's foremost nature photographers. In the past two decades, Smith has made nearly 50 trips to Alaska. "The wildlife is so accessible," he says, "and each animal has its own unique character." In this collection of images, he captures both the personality and splendor of The Great Land's grandest inhabitants.

While the total output of Caribbean locals is so small as to go virtually unnoticed by the world beer establishment, some enterprising brewers have been taking ribbons at European tasting competitions. And further recognition is at hand. Earlier this year, Peter Taylor, director of the Caribbean Brewing Federation, with 34 member nations, scheduled a brewing seminar and beer tasting at the annual Taste of the Caribbean festival in September near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Long ago, the Aleut Indians called Alaska "Alakshak" - The Great Land. "It's doubtful that anyone who has ever seen the state's colossal glaciers or its teeming wildlife would disagree with that description," says Seattle-based John Smith, one of the world's foremost nature photographers. In the past two decades, Smith has made nearly 50 trips to Alaska.